Tuesday
11:45 a.m.
I attended a lecture on "art" last night. The focal point of the discussion was the contrast and melding of "art" and "craft". But after listening to the lecture, well, I think I may just be getting too darned old. I can't believe some of the slides that were shown would be considered "art". And this frustrates me because I know by my distaste, I am probably showing my academic and artistic ignorance.
My problem seems to be that I still view art in a classical way, the Van Goughs, the Picasso's, the Rembrants. I just can't seem to accept some of the more recent presentations of the field, especially the installation art form so popular just now - you know, exhibits which consist of rooms filled with flashing lights, or blobs of sand. And yet, when I sit here at these computer keys trying to define what I think art is - well, I can't seem to do that either. Maybe I just know what art isn't, at least for me. And maybe that is the way it should be for everyone. I must try and stop being so prejudiced and try to accept other's tastes. After all, if I don't have to look at it, put it in my home, or like it - what's the big deal? But then again, sometimes I wonder if some of what is going on in the art world really is someone else's taste - or is it a gimick, issued to get the publicity and the controversy going. If that is the case, then I really do object to defining it as art.
The other side of last night's lecture dealt with what is art and what is craft. I have a very hard time distinguishing between the two. Of course, then again, I am a craft-type person. But the handmade beauty of woven fiber, tapestry, stained glass, ceramics, pottery, even woodworking - I just can't see how one can not group these items into an art category. In the old days the artist was not only the master creator but the master craftsman. The painters used to make their paints, working at the most basic level of canvas and pigment. Why now, in our day and age, does it have to be one or the other? Could this be a bit of "snobbery" on the part of the art culture? Another issue worth considering is that crafts have traditionally been considered "women's" areas. If a man had made a tapestry, quilt or weaving, well-----me thinks it would have received much more recognition.
Oh, and while I'm on the subject of crafts - I found the most beautiful book yesterday on hand embroidery. It was called, I think, English Garden. It showed the most intricate, colorful, precise designs one could possibly imagine, hand stitched on linen. I must have this book. Payday is still a bit of a ways off, but this is going on my "got to have" list as soon as the day hits! I have always been fascinated by the detail in something. And this book takes detail work to a new dimension! I love to work at the minute level (though my poor bifocaled eyes don't). There is something so precious about watching a "flower grow" from material, and the fact that this book will allow entire gardens to bloom - well, it's definitely another project for me!
Like I really need another project. It's October! Two months from Christmas! I have 2 more pairs of socks, THREE sweaters and an afghan left to do. (And I want to buy a new project book?) This happens every year. The panic, that is. The rush to get it all done. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is a wonderful time of the year - I love the sights and smells with a passion! There's nothing like burning the midnight oil with a cup of hot tea and a lap full of cat and hands full of knitting to make me feel complete. I guess the panic is worth it! I plan on decorating our entire home and porch this year as well as my office. Last year, I just didn't feel like going to the trouble to spread cheer here at the office, but this year - well, why not. I hope to do up this site a bit also. I found another wonderful graphic site at 
. This is where I got the calendar above and my moody moon, below! (See, in case you didn't notice ;-) I'm starting early - with Halloween!)
Journi
